Aging Out: Autism in Montana

Each year, more children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the framework of care drastically changes for them after adolescence. In 2000, only one in 150 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but that rate increased to one in 68 by 2010, according to the Center for Disease Control. The wave of children aging out of the school system and transitioning into adulthood leaves many people on a search for help and structure. Rural Montana families have fewer alternatives to create a plan for the future. Dianne Booth and her family are a prime example of that.

Reed Point’s Dianne and Jim Booth worry about the future of their son with the programs available to them right now. Their son Logan, 22, is nonverbal and will never be able to live on his own. Coming from rural Montana, Dianne and Jim want Logan to stay in an agricultural setting for him to continue the lifestyle he has grown up with, but they are struggling with a lack of options. Follow the Booths and other Montana families as they recognize their fears and try to piece together a plan for the future.